Following the commercial success of Saw X, the fan-favorite franchise did not waste time announcing the 11th installment with Saw XI. However, in a year and a half, all fans have seen instead of teasers and trailers are never-ending delays. Just when they thought it could not get any worse, reports surfaced about the project being stalled with worrisome concerns surrounding potential cancellations. But even with Saw’s 11th sequel hanging in the air, the drama has had its fair share of follow-ups. 

So, for those curious about whether Saw XI is happening or not, here is the truth.

According to a recent Deadline report, Saw XI, which had a September 26, 2025, release date has been moved off the calendar for now. Instead, Lionsgate’s The Strangers: Chapter 2 has taken over the date, giving fans a petri dish of horror substitute for the no-show of the Saw servings. The Hollywood Reporter reported the standstill progress on Saw XI since Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan turned over their draft a year ago just a week before. 

“It’s stalled at a managerial level,” Melton revealed, clarifying it had nothing to do with creative input. With Lionsgate and the producers still struggling to come to terms, Saw XI’s removal from the calendar before CinemaCon makes sense. As of now, there is a lack of last word on the 11th installment of the franchise. So, it remains to be seen whether Saw XI is shelved once and for all or has the potential to retreat from the back burner.

An Iconic Fan Favorite Horror Franchise Is Set to Leave Netflix, Catch It Before July 2024

Either way, the Saw XI co-writers really hope the project gets to see daylight, thanks to an important reason.

Many horror franchises have instilled their places of prominence in Hollywood and Saw is definitely one of them. As a result, when the reports flooded in about Saw XI’s stall, heartbreak was sure to ensue. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Saw XI screenwriter Patrick Melton revealed “there’s higher-level things at play.” Although he remained just as unsure about its future materialization, he hoped it saw the light of day because of the “timely story” he made with Marcus Dunstan.

“The reason it’s held up is just, there’s inter-squabbling between producers and Lionsgate. They just can’t quite get on the same page,” Melton said. Although plot details remain under wraps, Melton likened Saw XI to the premise of Saw VI (2009). However, the good news is Billy the Puppet has broken the silence, and lit ooks like there are still some Saw hopes for fans. Having denied the cancelation rumors by changing his LinkedIn status to employed, Billy wrote, "You all should know better than that. The game is never over."

Jenna Ortega Loves Crying and Other Traumas That Come With Horror Movies

What do you think of Saw XI's current status? Let us know in the comments below!